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Richard Paxman Child

1956 - 2021

Richard Paxman Child obituary, 1956-2021, Salt Lake City, UT

BORN

1956

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City

260 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Richard Child Obituary

Richard Paxman Child

1956 - 2021

Richard Paxman Child, age 65, left this earthly existence due to a massive pulmonary embolism caused by COVID-19 on the morning of Monday, September 20, 2021. He was received and welcomed into our Savior's arms and by many loved ones who have passed on before.

Rick was born in Salt Lake City, UT on July 24, 1956, to Stanley Roberts Child and Doressa Paxman Child. He was the youngest of five children and was often referred to as "Little Ricky." He was a boy full of curiosity and mischief. In typical youngest brother fashion, he was frequently found teasing his older sisters. He was loved and well cared for by his sisters and looked up to his oldest brother as a great example. He had a happy childhood, and their home was a welcoming place where many gathered throughout the years.

Rick grew up in Salt Lake City and enjoyed snow skiing in the winters and spending summer days water skiing on the family boat. He graduated from Highland High School with honors in 1974. He involved himself in various activities including baseball, cheerleading, theater and choir. After high school he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auckland, New Zealand. He served faithfully and grew to love the people and the Maori culture. He attended Brigham Young University graduating with a bachelor's degree in Finance. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Sandra Luymes. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 22, 1979. Her vibrant and vivacious personality complemented his steady and easy-going nature. She was the joy and love of his life.

Rick resided in the Salt Lake Valley with his wife and three daughters, whom he cherished. His patient and sensitive spirit made him the perfect girl dad. He took pride in his family and found great joy in his children and grandchildren. Rick had a strong testimony and love for his Savior. He devoted years of service in multiple church callings, and even in his career, where he played a critical role in managing the global IT infrastructure of the accounting department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His strong organizational skills and attention to detail were valuable in his profession as well as in the many years he served in Bishoprics and Stake Presidencies. Due to his intelligence and wisdom, people both professionally and personally, looked to him for his knowledge and advice.

Rick fostered a love of music and had a beautiful tenor voice. He performed in many choirs, school musicals, stake roadshows and other performances. Music spoke to his soul, a trait which he instilled in and shared with his three daughters.

Though he was quiet and humble, he always found a way to laugh and lift the spirits of those around him. He had a sharp wit and goofy sense of humor that brought joy to everyone who was in his presence. He was the master of the dad joke before the world even knew it was a thing. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His light and kindness will be sorely missed in this world.

He is survived by his wife, Sandi; daughters: Lindy Child, Michelle Caton (Bart), and Kayley Miller (Steve); his eight grandchildren; his brother Brent Child (LaRae) and his sister Becky Nielsen (David). He is preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Doressa Child; his sisters, Cindy Larsen and Susan Hansen; Mother-in-law, Joanne and most recently his Father-in-law, John Luymes, who also tragically passed from Covid just one week prior.

Due to the circumstances, the family has chosen to hold a small, private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness in Rick's honor and do your part to stem the spread of Covid by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when appropriate.

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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Sep. 23 to Sep. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Child

Sponsored by Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City.

Not sure what to say?





Bryan Flake

July 30, 2024

Bryan Flake

July 30, 2024

Bryan Flake

July 30, 2024

Bryan Flake

July 30, 2024

I was so sorry to hear of Rick´s passing. I only recently learned he was gone. I was a missionary companion with Rick in Mew Zealand 49 years ago. He was an amazing young man at that time. Very prepared for his mission. We were companions in the old Salt Lake Mission Home before leaving for NZ. Then again for a short time in the field. Actually the mission office. He was respected and loved by everyone. We were in the same ward at BYU for a semester or two.
I regret that we never connected again after that time. I lived in Idaho, Montana and Washington and we never found each other even when I moved here to Utah 10 years ago.
I really loved Elder Child and it is one of my greatest regrets that we never connected before his passing. He was a great man. My love and condolences to his family.

Bryan Flake
801 602-0860

Photos:
- NZ elders who all knew Rick. I am 2nd from left. We got together recently at my home in Saratoga Springs.
- Elder Child and me our first day in NZ
- our group who went out together

Melissa Layton

November 29, 2021

Oh Sandy!! I just heard about Rick´s passing!! I am so so sorry!! I have such fond memories of his laugh and teasing ways!! What a wonderful person he was!! You and Rick hold a very special place in my heart!! My all the sweet memories you have with him can bring some sort of peace and comfort to you! All my love to you!! Melissa Layton

Teresa Jackson

October 25, 2021

I was so sad to hear of Rick's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Sending all my love.

Dave and Jeanette Pulley

October 12, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about Rick's passing. You played a critical role in our lives when we were down on our luck. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers! Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Josh

October 5, 2021

Thanks for being a great boss, you will be missed!

Myrna Hutchings

October 1, 2021

I was shocked when I read in the ward newsletter Rick had passed away. Know my prayers are with the whole family at this time. The death of a loved one changes so many things in our lives, for your family to have two people pass away so close together has to be a real hard pill to swallow. I enjoyed working with Rick in FH, he gave new insight to it. My the Lord bless & comport you all.

Kathy Orme

September 26, 2021

Sandi, please accept my love and heartfelt friendship at this extremely difficult time for you and your family. I am here for you.

Cory and Jill Webster

September 26, 2021

So sad to hear Rick died! We have great memories of y´all and feel so blessed and lucky to call you our friends

Nedra Bateman Platt

September 24, 2021

Sandi - So sorry to hear of Rick´s death. I have such fond memories of growing up with him. He was so fun and such a great friend. May the Lord´s comfort and blessings be with you and your family. Love , Nedra

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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